DALLAS, TX, February 13, 2012 – We kick off XKO 14 fight week wih this pre-fight interview with Andrew Parker of Octagon MMA. He’ll be making his return to The Gym this Saturday for the first time since last September when he won a unanimous decision against Dustin Adams at XKO 12. That performance was good enough to be nominated for our 2011 TXMMA Award as a ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate. Area fans will see if he can replicate that performance against debuting Aldo Davila in what should be yet another exciting fight.

Read on to get Andrew’s fight week thoughts on this impending matchup this weekend in Arlington.

XKO 14 Pre-Fight Interview – Andrew Parker (Octagon MMA)

Thanks for taking the time to talk to TXMMA.com Andrew. How’s life heading into your fight at XKO 14?

Life’s been great and things have been going my way. I’ve been blessed for the past two and a half years with a beautiful girlfriend named Olya, and we recently adopted a studly German Shepherd puppy we named Batyr; what more can a man ask for??

What’s your typical schedule like when preparing the last few weeks before a fight?

The last few weeks are hell, but as the saying goes you kill yourself in the gym so you don’t die in the cage. After this past training camp I know there is no way my opponent can put me through as much pain as my team and I have already put myself through.

How did you get into training originally? What’s it like over there at Octagon MMA?

Well to be honest I started out in judo and had dreams of making it all the way to the top in that sport. Unfortunately money just wasn’t there. Judo requires a lot of traveling especially if you’re wanting to get at the international level of competition. After checking out different national training centers around the country and Canada I realized that there was no way i was going to be able to afford both living so far from home and traveling to compete. I always had the idea of MMA in the back of my head and after a lot of heartache decided to quit judo and focus 100% on MMA. I was lucky to end up at Octagon MMA. Our combined team record of 40-5 last year speaks for itself. I train with some of the toughest guys in the area and it’s always good to know that.

How would you describe yourself as a fighter? What can fans expect this Saturday?

I’m new to the sport, I’ve only had one pro fight and no amateurs. I’d be lying if i labeled myself as any one way because I’m developing and learning new things so fast. I can tell you this though, I am always ready for a war if it comes down to it.

Your debut against Dustin Adams was considered one of the best fights in the state in 2011 as far as exciting fights go. Tell us about that one.

I learned a lot about myself and what I’m capable of during that fight. Dustin is a tough guy who had a bunch of amateur fights leading up to his pro debut. He also cut a good amount of weight to prepare. I didn’t see it like this at the time, but I’m pretty sure i was the underdog. <laughs> I had no previous experience and hardly cut any weight. The fight turned into a back and forth war with both of us getting dropped a few times. I think the deciding factor came down to conditioning and mental toughness and I ended up getting the unanimous decision after dominating the third round. I have nothing but respect for Dustin after a fight like that and wish the best for him in the future.

What about your next opponent? Any thoughts on Aldo Davila?

I know that he fights out of The Gym in Arlington and that he seems to be a good striker. I respect anyone who steps into the cage, but there’s not much else to say other than that.

What’s going through your mind heading into this fight?

I feel great and I’m ready for anything. I picture the fight going my way and getting my hand raised at the end.

Any plans on the next step after this one?

I plan on taking a nice short break to get fat off my mom’s home cooking and spend quality time with family and friends before getting ready for the next fight.

Any last words?

Like I said before I respect anyone who steps into the cage, but February 18 is my day and I’m not going to let anyone take that from me.

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